The Soft Pack Heavenly ****

Formerly known as The Muslims, until they realised that name would be more of a hindrance than a help, The Soft Pack roar into view with all guns blazing.

They're a combo with much to their credit, including a bunch of swaggering hooks, a ton of cocky pop melodies, and a bustling sense of purpose that never lets up on their debut album. This San Diego quartet offer little that you haven't heard before, but it's a while since anyone put together a power- pop album with such a punky wallop to its stride. The Pack certainly know their onions when it comes to garage rock's back-pages, but they refrain from that often tiresome reverential tone. Instead, there's a winning freshness and swinging dynamic to C'mon, Mexicoand the pounding Pull Outto keep you rooted to the speakers. www. myspace.com/thesoftpack

Download tracks: C'mon, Mexico, Pull Out